The Cincinnati Reds just got a major jolt of energy — and it’s coming at 95 miles per hour.
Star pitcher Hunter Greene, the flame-throwing right-hander and centerpiece of the Reds’ rotation, took a massive step forward in his recovery from a groin injury that has sidelined him for the past two weeks. During a bullpen session earlier this week, Greene fired 35 pitches, consistently touching 95 mph, with no signs of lingering discomfort.
“The velo is great,” Greene said after the session. “Easy 95. Nothing in my groin. All good.”
The 24-year-old has been out since exiting his start in Atlanta on May 4, where he felt tightness in his groin. Since then, the Reds have managed to hold the line, but Greene’s absence was deeply felt. Now, with his health trending upward and another bullpen scheduled for midweek, the team is preparing for his official return this Saturday during their series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Greene confirmed that he’s hit every recovery milestone without setbacks:
“It’s been good. I’ve hit all my checkpoints. I’m looking forward to getting back out there.”
A Crucial Return for the Rotation
Before the injury, Greene was in solid form, posting a 3.67 ERA with 49 strikeouts over 41.2 innings. His electric fastball and sharp secondary stuff had him on pace for a breakout year, and his return could be pivotal for a Reds team fighting to stay competitive in the NL Central.
In Greene’s absence, Chase Petty, the team’s No. 6 prospect (No. 90 overall) per MLB Pipeline, was called up to fill the rotation spot. But the 21-year-old righty struggled in his MLB debut, allowing four runs over three innings in a loss to the Houston Astros on May 11. Manager Terry Francona has since shifted to using bullpen games rather than overextending the rookie, signaling just how valuable Greene’s return will be.
Buzz Building Across Baseball
Greene’s imminent comeback is generating excitement not just in Cincinnati, but across MLB. The young ace has been one of the league’s most electric arms since debuting in 2022, known for regularly hitting triple digits and anchoring a rebuilding Reds squad.
If Greene returns at full strength and maintains his command, the Reds’ pitching staff — which ranks 13th in ERA (3.97) heading into the week — could become one of the more formidable groups in the National League.
Saturday’s matchup in Pittsburgh is shaping up to be a must-watch, and Greene’s presence on the mound could be the spark that launches the Reds into a new gear.
